The recent revelation that a medical plane's crash in New Mexico was caused by military GPS jamming has sparked outrage and raised important questions about aviation safety and military operations. This incident highlights the potential dangers of GPS interference and the need for better coordination between military and civilian authorities.
The crash, which resulted in the deaths of four people, occurred due to a malfunction in the plane's GPS system. Federal investigators confirmed that the military was jamming the GPS signal in the area at the time of the crash. This is not an isolated incident, as three other planes in the vicinity also reported GPS problems around the same time.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report detailing the GPS issues the pilots encountered. The plane, operated by Trans Aero MedEvac, was en route from Roswell Air Center to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport when it started experiencing GPS problems. The air traffic controller attempted to assist the pilots by providing headings to follow into the airport, even contacting the military to shut down the jammers temporarily.
However, the pilots decided to attempt a visual approach, and the military was given the go-ahead to resume jamming. The NTSB report indicates that the plane descended to 9,400 feet before climbing several hundred feet and ultimately striking a mountainside at 9,950 feet. This sequence of events raises concerns about the effectiveness of the military's jamming operations and the potential risks they pose to civilian aviation.
The US Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has expressed concern over the inconsistent dissemination of GPS-related notices to pilots. They have pressed the FAA to make these notices more visible and accurate, as the current system may not adequately inform pilots about GPS jamming in their area. The AOPA also notes that flight crew reports of GPS interference, including jamming, have increased sharply in recent years.
Retired airline pilot John Cox, CEO of Safety Operating Systems, suggests that the pilots should have been able to rely on ground-based navigation systems or fly visually. However, he acknowledges that GPS is a popular choice due to its precision. Cox emphasizes that the loss of GPS should not result in the loss of an airplane and calls for further investigation into the cause of the crash.
Aviation safety expert Steve Arroyo agrees that medevac pilots should be prepared to use alternative navigation systems. He explains that GPS provides a margin of safety, especially in challenging terrain, but relying solely on GPS can be risky. Arroyo highlights the importance of pilots being able to navigate using conventional methods when GPS is unavailable.
The FAA's Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) system, which provides warnings about GPS jamming, was issued before the incident. However, the AOPA's concerns about the visibility and accuracy of these notices persist. The incident underscores the need for improved communication and coordination between military, aviation, and regulatory authorities to ensure the safety of GPS-dependent aircraft.
As investigators continue to work on the final report, the focus remains on understanding the exact cause of the crash and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case of the medical plane crash serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of GPS interference and the importance of maintaining a safe and coordinated airspace for all aviation activities.
